ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Urgent global action is required to combat climate change, with radiographers poised to play a significant role in reducing healthcare's environmental impact. This paper explores radiography-related activities and factors in resource-limited departments contributing to the carbon footprint and proposes strategies for mitigation. The rationale is to discuss the literature regarding these contributing factors and to raise awareness about how to promote sustainability activities in clinical radiography practice and education in resource-limited countries. KEY FINDINGS: The radiography-related activities and factors contributing to the carbon footprint in resource-limited countries include the use of old equipment and energy inefficiency, insufficient clean energy to power equipment, long-distance commuting for radiological examinations, high film usage and waste, inadequate training and research on sustainable practices, as well as limited policies to drive support for sustainability. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, financial assistance and partnerships are needed to adopt eco-friendly technologies and clean energy sources to power equipment, thus tackling issues related to old equipment and energy inefficiency. Transitioning to digital radiography can mitigate the environmental impact of high film usage and waste, while collaboration between governments, healthcare organisations, and international stakeholders can improve access to radiological services, reducing long-distance commuting. Additionally, promoting education programmes and research efforts in sustainability will empower radiographers with the knowledge to practice sustainably, complemented by clear policies such as green imaging practices to guide and incentivise the adoption of sustainable practices. These integrated solutions can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of radiography activities in resource-limited settings while enhancing healthcare delivery. CONCLUSION: Radiography-related activities and factors in resource-limited departments contributing to the carbon footprint are multifaceted but can be addressed through concerted efforts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Addressing the challenges posed by old equipment, energy inefficiency, high film usage, and inadequate training through collaborative efforts and robust policy implementation is essential for promoting sustainable radiography practices in resource-limited countries. Radiographers in these countries need to be aware of these factors contributing to the carbon footprint and begin to work with the relevant stakeholders to mitigate them. Furthermore, there is a need for them to engage in education programmes and research efforts in sustainability to empower them with the right knowledge and understanding to practice sustainably.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The current technological developments in medical imaging are centred largely on the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into all equipment modalities. This survey assessed the perspectives of African radiographers on the integration of AI in medical imaging in order to offer unique recommendations to support the training of the radiography workforce. METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional online survey of radiographers working within Africa was conducted from March to August 2020. The survey obtained data about their demographics and perspectives on AI implementation and usage. Data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of 1020 valid responses were obtained. Majority of the respondents (n = 883,86.6%) were working in general X-ray departments. Of the respondents, 84.9% (n = 866) indicated that AI technology would improve radiography practice and quality assurance for efficient diagnosis and improved clinical care. Fear of job losses following the implementation of AI was a key concern of most radiographers (n = 625,61.3%). CONCLUSION: Generally, radiographers were delighted about the integration of AI into medical imaging, however; there were concerns about job security and lack of knowledge. There is an urgent need for stakeholders in medical imaging infrastructure development and practices in Africa to start empowering radiographers through training programmes, funding, motivational support, and create clear roadmaps to guide the adoption and integration of AI in medical imaging in Africa. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The current study offers unique suggestions and recommendations to support the training of the African radiography workforce and others in similar resource-limited settings to provide quality care using AI-integrated imaging modalities.
